One night, one deal, and one bullet changed everything.

My name is Novalee Ford and Im the torn petals blowing in the breeze.

My name is Giovanni Mancini and Im the broken stem of a wilted flower.

Together we are the daffodil that stands strong in the shadows.

Family had two meanings for me. There was the one I was born into, and the one I'd been waiting my entire life to swear an oath to. The only problem was my father. He'd been treating me like a kid since my mother was murdered.

My oldest brother was gone, my other brother was now next in line for the throne, and I was still waiting. The forgotten third son of boss.

Then the baby sister of my enemy walked into my school, and waiting wasn't an issue anymore. With one simple knock, Novalee Ford gave me my chance to take the oath and get revenge. Only one question remained…

Did I want payment for the life debt her brother owed… or something else?

My name is Giovanni Mancini, and I'm the foot that stomped on the daffodil.